Seminole and Miccosukee Dolls

On one of our many day trips while in South Florida, Russell and I stopped at the Everglades City Museum.  Everglades City lies between Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve on the gulf side of Florida.  At the Museum we got to learn about the history of the town; how and why it was built; how it has been destroyed a number of times by hurricanes; why it remains today.  Of course, one of the things I like to learn about, especially with regard to the Native Americans of the area, is their crafts.

In the museum there was a wonderful display of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes and the dolls they made using palmetto leaves found everywhere in the area.  This was a surprise find and I loved learning how the dolls were created. 

The palmetto leaves are very durable yet still pliable, so they can be shaped into a variety of items without any preparation.  Items that can be made include but are not limited to baskets, mats, fishing nets, and these adorable dolls.  I love the brightly colored clothes and their hand painted faces, but if you notice, none of the dolls have arms.  I couldn’t find anything in the museum that said why the dolls don’t have arms, but did find it interesting and the dolls beautiful.

Until next time, and more surprise crafting finds,

Roberta

The Traveling Crafter